Very few words evoke such diverse emotions in me! Who can forget the devastating Grenfell Tower Block fire? Just recently the television scenes of forest fires have brought back vivid memories, as we lived in that region of the south of France. I remember the carpet of red flames rolling down the hillsides from Bormes le Mimosa wiping out the glorious yellow scenery. Of course then, as now, we felt safe because our port was surrounded by the Mediterranean .

We went weekly to the market at St. Tropez, eating on the quayside. We drove there through the inland forest and returned by the coast road. One morning the cars ahead of us were turning round we soon followed suit as the road we were following was bordered with fires.

We had one in our block of flats. Being on the top floor we had a large sun-bathing area. Two lads had piled up our sun loungers and set fire to them. My practical husband threw water onto our front door! What did I do? I changed into my favourite white clothes in case I had to leave with only one outfit. My husband laughed and said “ It won’t stay white very long if a fireman carries you out over his shoulder!”

Let’s finish with some lovely fires. My favourite television programme was called “Les feux de l’Amour” “The fires of love”. What is cosier than a winters evening spent curled up by an open fire? What pleasure to light a chiminea to keep you warm by your barbecue!